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| Version 2013-2014 |
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| HAAR0144-1 | Science and technology museums
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| Duration : | 30h Th |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Philippe Tomsin |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| French language |
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Course contents :
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| The teaching focuses on the museums of science and technology, both in Belgium and abroad.
Firstly, various definitions and thoughts on several concepts will be discussed in a detailed introduction. The varieties of science and technology museums will be reviewed, and how these concepts evolutions to the present day will be examined.
In order to position these objects in their historical background, a general overview of the history of science and technology will be provided.
More specific questions will then be examined: including the variety and particularities of these objects; their specific materials and how they have changed; their sensitivity to the environment (climate, pollution, light, the public); protection against theft and vandalism; questions relating to their inventory, description, handling, and storage; where they are conserved and under what conditions (museums, temporary exhibitions, open area exhibition and 'living' exhibitions, storerooms).
Finally, the questions of contemporary ethics in restoration, conservation and exhibition will be discussed. The techniques and special requirements for displaying these items in museums are also examined.
A visit to a museum of science and another to a technology museum are planned (including meetings with curators). |
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| The purpose of this teaching is to give students a solid basic knowledge in the field of scientific or technological conservation. Basically, the goal is to draw students' attention to the main issues relating to conservation, either to effectively preserve artefacts and documents or to prepare temporary or permanent exhibitions. |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| No prior knowledge is required. |
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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| Lectures will be richly illustrated with photos (Power Point) and videos. |
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| 30 hours, second term (detailed schedule to be arranged).
See http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires |
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Recommended or required readings :
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| A bibliography of key references is given, as well as the photos and videos shown during class (everything will be provided in digital form). |
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| Oral examination (random questions). June session. |
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Work placement(s) :
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Organizational remarks :
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Contacts :
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